Multi-Factor Access Control Using Confidence-Based Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Access control systems face inefficiencies and security concerns due to low confidence levels in biometric authentication methods, such as facial recognition, audio recognition, and gait recognition, which can fail to accurately identify individuals attempting to access restricted areas.

Innovation Solution

A multi-factor validation method is implemented, where a first recognition system (e.g., facial recognition) determines confidence levels, and if below a threshold, a second recognition system (e.g., mobile device verification or access card) is activated to provide additional verification, comparing the second recognition information to stored data to grant or deny access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If biometric authentication systems (facial recognition, audio recognition, gait recognition) are used for access control, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to low confidence levels in identifying individuals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The authentication process is segmented into multiple independent recognition systems (first recognition system, second recognition system) that operate sequentially. The first system performs initial authentication, and only if confidence is insufficient does the second system activate, dividing the authentication task into manageable segments that collectively improve reliability while maintaining ease of operation for most cases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary authentication using the first recognition system before determining whether additional verification is needed. This preliminary action filters out clear cases that don't require further verification, maintaining ease of operation for straightforward authentication while preparing to activate additional systems only when necessary to ensure reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Device complexity

If a single recognition system is used for access control, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability deteriorates due to insufficient verification capability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts its complexity based on authentication needs. The first recognition system operates as the primary low-complexity authentication method, while the second recognition system remains dormant unless activated by low confidence scores. This dynamic configuration allows the system to maintain low complexity for routine operations while providing high reliability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller acts as an intermediary that manages between the first and second recognition systems. It receives output from the first system, evaluates confidence levels, and selectively activates the second system as needed. This intermediary coordination allows multiple verification methods to work together without requiring constant complexity, improving reliability while maintaining operational simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If multiple recognition systems are activated for every access attempt, then the reliability is improved through comprehensive verification, but the productivity deteriorates due to increased processing time

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies partial verification action by using only the first recognition system when confidence is sufficient, and adding the second system only when necessary. This partial action approach ensures reliability is improved only to the extent needed, avoiding the productivity loss that would result from always activating multiple systems while still providing comprehensive verification when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The first recognition system provides feedback in the form of confidence scores that determine whether the second recognition system needs to be activated. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust its verification level based on actual authentication needs, maintaining high reliability for uncertain cases while preserving productivity for clear-cut authentication scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

4Productivity

If the confidence threshold for single-factor authentication is lowered, then the productivity is improved by reducing verification steps, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased false acceptance risk

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveproductivityVSAvoidreliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system changes the confidence threshold parameter to a dynamic value that triggers activation of the second recognition system. Rather than using a fixed low threshold that would compromise reliability, the threshold is set to activate additional verification only when confidence falls into an intermediate range, allowing productivity improvement through reduced verification for high-confidence cases while maintaining reliability through selective additional verification.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3896938B1Systems and methods for access control using multi-factor validation
Publication Date: 2023.11.29 JOHNSON CONTROLS TYCO IP HLDG LLP
  • EP3896938B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3896938B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3896938B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Aspects of the present disclosure provide systems and methods for access control using multi-factor validation. In an example, an access control system is designed to be used in conjunction with a first recognition system, such as facial recognition system, a gait recognition system, or audio recognition system, that uses a confidence level to determine whether individuals are authorized to access a restricted area. When the first recognition system is unable to confidently identify the individual, a second recognition system, such as a mobile device system or access card system, may be used to provide second factor verification. Further, stored recognition data may be updated to include information gathered by the first recognition system in response to use of the second factor verification.